Cephalus and Procris Ary de Vois (?-1680)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a densely wooded landscape. A man, clad in a red tunic and adorned with what appears to be a hunting horn at his belt, stands in a posture of anguish, his hand raised towards the sky. His expression conveys profound shock and distress. He is positioned near a fallen woman, whose body lies partially draped across a blue cloth upon the ground. Her face is turned away from the viewer, obscuring her features but suggesting vulnerability and stillness.
Beside the woman sits an older man, his attire consisting of a simple brown cloak or robe. His gaze is directed towards the fallen figure, exhibiting a mixture of sorrow and perhaps resignation. He holds what seems to be a musical instrument – a lyre or similar stringed device – in his hands, which lies near the discarded hunting equipment scattered on the ground: arrows and a quiver.
Two dogs are present in the scene; one appears to be a hound-like breed, standing alertly beside the man, while another, smaller dog, is positioned closer to the fallen woman. Their presence adds an element of domesticity and loyalty to the tragic event.
The background reveals a glimpse of a distant river or body of water, framed by rolling hills under a cloudy sky. The foliage in the foreground is rendered with considerable detail, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. Light filters through the trees, illuminating certain areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow, contributing to the overall atmosphere of melancholy and loss.
The arrangement suggests a narrative steeped in tragedy; it evokes themes of love, loss, and perhaps unintended consequences. The discarded hunting equipment implies a sudden interruption or disruption of a hunt, which has led to this devastating outcome. The presence of the older man hints at a familial connection or a role as a witness to the unfolding events. The dogs’ reactions – alertness versus proximity – might symbolize different forms of grief and attachment. Overall, the work conveys a powerful sense of emotional turmoil and irreversible sorrow within a natural setting.